Specifications are important as these indicate the performance of the oil and whether they have met or passed the latest tests. There are two important specifications: American Petroleum Institute (API, read our blog about this category here) and Association des Constructeurs Europeens d’Automobiles (ACEA). All high(er) quality oils should contain at least one of these!
ACEA does not certify oils, nor license, nor register, compliance certificates. However, ACEA recommend to register and self-certify their products on ACEA website. This is the European equivalent of API (US) and is more specific in what the performance of the oil actually is. A = Petrol, B = Diesel and C = Catalyst compatible or low/mid SAPS (Sulphated Ash, Phosphorus and Sulphur), E = Heavy Duty.
Thereare different ACEA sequence issues; 2008, 2010 and 2012. Where each sequence has a validity data for marketing. At this moment 2012 sequence is the only active one Unlike API the ACEA specs are split into performance/application categories as follows:
At this moment the market is still waiting for the new ACEA Oil Sequences of 2016. They are delayed due to completing the necessary CEC test methods. More information about ACEA? Take a look at their website here.